Michigan fired Brady Hoke in 2014 after a 5-7 season. After Jim Harbaugh descended from the NFL heavens, Michigan now sits at 9-2 heading into its regular season finale with nemesis Ohio State.
Though some shine came off The Game with Ohio State's upset loss to Michigan State, the stakes are still high as Harbaugh has swept a new vigor into the ancient blood feud.
Harbaugh took to the podium at Schembechler Hall in Ann Arbor on Monday to talk Wolverine football and Ohio State preparation.
- Jake Rudock was not on the 49ers prospect board, but Harbaugh (in typical Harbaugh fashion) said prospects didn't come across their board until they were in their last year of eligibility. Is Rudock an NFL player? "I haven't talked to a lot of NFL scouts this year."
- "We're just trying to get better today than we were yesterday. That's our approach."
- Is Harbaugh preparing for this game differently since it's a rivalry? "Yeah, I don't really know where you're coming from. Sorry."
- On being born in the same hospital as Urban Meyer months apart: "I did not know that. It's neat. I'm proud of that. But I always say my reaction to the coach vs. coach buildup is — he's not going to be blocking anybody, he's not going to be tackling anybody. I'm going to be over on our sidelines blocking and tackling nobody."
- Harbaugh expects WR Jehu Chesson to play, but he's "working through something."
- Offensive line vs. Penn State was "very good," as was Michigan's defensive line. Ryan Glasgow and Kyle Kalis were the two highest-rated offensive players. DT Taco Charlton drew praise as the best defensive player.
- "Beating Ohio State, that's our mindset."
- Is Jabrill Peppers a good RB? "He's a darn good running back." They're going to look at moving him to RB full time next year.
- How much does this game mean to recruiting? "Once I go through a full [recruiting] cycle, I'll have a better answer for you."
- On concern for Ohio State's psyche or psychological state entering the game: "I'd have a hard time spelling either of those words."
- On Michigan's turnaround: "Not an individual accomplishment by any means. It's a team accomplishment."
- On Ohio State: "They're a tremendous football team. I'm not going out on a limb by saying that. They're a remarkable team."
- Harbaugh said today's snow in Ann Arbor reminded him of a 1969 story he read about Bo Schembechler calling the team to the football facilities for an early-morning meeting, giving them shovels, and making them remove the snow from the practice field.
- On what Bo said to him after the 1986 guarantee over Ohio State: "Bo always treated me good... unless I screwed up."
- What makes this rivalry so special? "A lot of things... I'm sure we'll talk about them as the week goes on." Harbaugh said he's saving "nuggets" for later in the week due to the whirlwind media tour this week brings about.
- Harbaugh no longer seeks clarification on targeting rules. "I've capitulated on trying to gain clarity."
- On Jake Rudock: "He is so tough... 'Tough as a $2 steak' doesn't give it justice. He's been a godsend to our team."
- Will sophomore DT Bryan Mone play? "He's working."
